Community Sport Development Officer

Job Title:                                                          Community Sport Development Officer

Location:                                                          Regional (Co. Cavan, Co. Donegal, Co. Monaghan)

Direct Reporting Line To:                      FAI Regional Manager and Sport 4 Peace Project Manager

Commencement Date:                          1st September 2025

Duration:                                                         Four Years Fixed Term Contract (ends 31st July 2029)

Purpose of the role

The Community Sport Development Officer (CSDO) is a key delivery role within the Sport4Peace programme. Working across partner schools, clubs, and community organisations, the CSDO is responsible for delivering sport-based activities that engage young people in positive, cross border and cross-community experiences. This includes inclusive participation sessions, volunteer mentoring, and targeted outreach with underrepresented groups such as children with disabilities and those from diverse Ethnic Minority backgrounds. The role focuses on creating inclusive environments, developing young leaders, and promoting lifelong engagement in sport. 

The CSDO will link closely with the Sport 4 Peace Project manager and the Project Administration and Insights officer.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Delivery:

• Deliver sport-based coaching and educational activity sessions across local schools and clubs


• Co-lead flagship events and community sport festivals


• Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of the project


• Support shared learning sessions promoting values such as inclusion, respect, and teamwork


• Attend weekly FAI Regional team meetings


• Provide weekly project updates to Project Manager

Volunteer Development: 

• Mentor and support young volunteers involved in programme delivery


• Mentor and support sports club leaders involved in programme delivery


• Facilitate leadership training opportunities and community action initiatives


• Track and report on volunteer engagement and development outcomes

Inclusive Practice:

• Design and deliver tailored activities for participants with disabilities and diverse Ethnic Minority


• Work closely with schools and families to ensure inclusive access and participation.


• Promote inclusive values and cultural understanding across all programme components.

Community Engagement: 

• Build strong links between schools, clubs, and local communities


• Promote the programme locally through engagement and visibility initiatives


• Act as a positive role model for young participants and emerging leaders

The Person 

The successful candidate will have the following:

Qualifications:

• Post Leaving Certificate qualification


• Minimum coaching qualification of National D License


• Safeguarding training and up to date Garda Vetting (or willingness to obtain)

Experience:

• Experience delivering community sport or youth engagement activities


• Experience working with diverse population, including children with disabilities diverse ethnic minorities


• Experience co-delivering programmes with schools, clubs, or community partners


• Experience leading training workshops or volunteer development sessions


• Experience supporting volunteers or young leaders

Skills & Professional Knowledge:

• Knowledge of FAI Club and League Mark accreditation


• Experience in education, training or organisational development


• Public speaking, presenting and influencing skills


• Conflict resolution and problem solving skills


• Ability to plan and delive4r inclusive, engaging activities


• Awareness of cultural sensitivity, equality, and safeguarding protocols


• Ability to use digital tools for session planning, communication, and evaluation.


• Good knowledge of MS Office suit


• Full drivers licence

Terms and Conditions:

• Traveling required to support regional and national projects where required


• Working week across evenings and weekends as required

Our Benefits:
We are proud of the range of benefits we can provide:

• Two premium level tickets to each home international game


• Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave


• Opportunities to work at international matches


• Company pension


• 10% discount on Health and Life assurance


• Bike to work scheme


• Employee assistance programmes


• Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements
  
  

The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.

Deadline for applications is COB, Wednesday, 20th August 2025